Department of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
Undergraduate Curriculum
Advanced technologies often initiate with innovations in new materials, such as in
the electronic or aerospace industries. These material innovations rest on a fundamental
understanding of how the internal structure of a material influences properties at
different length scales, ranging from subatomic, to nano, to micro, and ultimately
macro‐scale. The state of the material at these length scales are probed by various
characterizing methods, which provide understanding of mechanisms responsible for
observed phenomenon. Thereby material problems can be resolved and innovations made
that are both efficient and based on solid scientific principles.
The New Mexico Tech undergraduate materials program attempts to provide these foundations
in an academic atmosphere that fosters growth and collaboration. With a small class
size, students have the opportunity to interact closely with professors and conduct
research in laboratories.
BS in Materials Engineering
Program Description
Students are exposed to materials science principles starting from their freshman
year and which continue through their senior year. A number of options are available
in the department so that students have the flexibility to select courses that suit
a specialization. In addition to theoretical courses, students obtain an excellent
experience in processing and characterization techniques during their junior and senior
years, these constituting the core of most experimental research and innovations.
Material probing methods include spectroscopic (e.g. X‐ray, FTIR, Raman), electron
microscopic, thermal, and mechanical characterization.
The processing‐structure‐property relations are developed and expanded upon throughout
the undergraduate curriculum. Four classes in the junior year target the theories
used to understand characteristics of metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites.
Senior‐level elective materials courses target specialized topics such as electronic,
structural, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and computational materials science. The
senior design sequence emphasizes the synthesis of skills and ideas as well as providing
experience in teamwork and practical design.
Program Outcomes
To educate our students so that they are prepared to obtain and succeed in the best
positions in industry, government laboratories, and graduate schools.
To advance the frontiers of materials science and engineering.
To serve the public of New Mexico through outreach and expanded education.
Establish themselves in a range of careers in industry or government or pursue post
baccalaureate education in engineering, science, business, law, medicine, or related
fields;
Advance in their chosen profession; and
Engage in appropriate professional societies and in continuing education activities
The Materials Engineering Department requires students to complete two semesters of
senior design. Students take on projects that have practical applications, preparing
them for their careers or for graduate school.
BS in Materials Engineering with Metallurgical Engineering Option
Program Outcomes
To educate our students so that they are prepared to obtain and succeed in the best
positions in industry, government laboratories, and graduate schools.
To advance the frontiers of metallurgical science and engineering.
To serve the public of New Mexico through outreach and expanded education.
Establish themselves in a range of careers in industry or government or pursue post
baccalaureate education in engineering, science, business, law, medicine, or related
fields;
Advance in their chosen profession; and
Engage in appropriate professional societies and in continuing education activities
BS in Materials Engineering with Biomaterials Engineering Option
Program Objectives
After completing this program, students will:
Establish themselves in a range of careers in industry or government or pursue post
baccalaureate education in engineering, science, business, law, medicine, or related
fields;
Advance their chosen profession;
Engage in appropriate professional societies and in continuing education activities;
The combined degrees of a MS in Materials Engineering (either Thesis or Independent
Study Option) along with a BS in Materials Engineering or affiliated field may be
achieved in five years.
